DOT Fines Xtra Airways $300,000

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a $300,000 fine to Xtra Airways for violating passenger protection regulations.

According to DOT, the Boise, Idaho-based carrier was one of several carriers operating flights for Myrtle Beach Direct Air & Tours. Direct Air ceased operating in March, and failed to pay Xtra Airways for operating flights that departed “on or after March 3.”

DOT’s Aviation enforcement Office said Xtra Airways violated regulations that require carriers to be paid prior to operating a public charter flight and prohibiting the cancellation of such flights less than 10 days prior to their scheduled departure times.

Passengers were unable to receive the service they paid Direct Air for when Xtra Airways refused to honor the scheduled flights for Direct Air.

“Airline passengers should not have to worry about last-minute charter flight cancellations or being stranded in the middle of their trips,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our rules were put into place to protect passengers’ rights, and we will continue to take enforcement action against airlines and charter operators when they violate those rules.”